Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving is shooting 23.9 percent from the field in the preseason, including 18 percent (5 of 28) in the last two games. The Cavs lost to the Wizards, 99-95, on Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena.

"It's like I told him during the game, 'Keep missing them in the preseason and start making them when the regular season starts and everything will be OK," Cavs coach Byron Scott said.

Irving missed much of the summer with a broken bone in his right hand. Scott said his star point guard is just trying to find his way during the preseason. Irving is averaging just 10.8 points per game.

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"Right now, his offense is suffering," Scott said. "I have no problem with him missing shots right now because I know Kyrie. I know once he gets going, he'll be fine."

Irving averaged 18.5 points and 5.4 assists per game last year when he earned the NBA's Rookie of the Year award.

"It's gotten a little frustrating out there, but I'm glad I'm having these kinds of nights in the preseason and then getting my rhythm back," Irving said. "I just have to realize that I basically had the whole summer off and I'm just trying to rush everything back. I just need to get my game back and get acclimated to game speed."

Scott altered his starting lineup once again, as he inserted rookie Dion Waiters at shooting guard and shifted C.J. Miles to small forward. The only major change was to bring forward Alonzo Gee off the bench. Gee snapped out of his slump with 13 points and two steals.

The coach hoped the new look would provide a more potent offense. He said the new lineup could be the one that starts in the regular season.

"I got exactly what I was looking for: To see how much more time they needed together," Scott said. "In the first half, they looked out of sync, which is understandable. That's why they were in there together.

"That is going to take some time."

Scott said the same group will start Monday's game against Orlando in Cincinnati.

"We'll see what it does for us offensively," Scott said. "There's too much pressure on Kyrie."

Waiters was coming off his 18-point effort against Chicago on Friday. He was held to four points on Saturday.

"He's going to be a heck of a player when it's all said and done," Scott said. "It's a great example of what he's capable of doing. I'm going to be tough on him."

Waiters said he has no problem with Scott riding him.

"I think he does welcome that," the coach said.

Waiters logged some minutes at point guard in the Chicago game.

"I'll put the ball in his hands in certain situations," Scott said. "He's a competitor."

Power forward Tristan Thompson had a huge night against the Wizards with a game-high 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots.

"He played well," Scott said. "He had a lot of energy. (Anderson Varejao) played really well. They were doing exactly what they were supposed to do: Crash the glass, being aggressive and physical. In turn, Tristan had his best game of the preseason."